Senate approves Jackson bill to improve property tax relief for vets

AUGUSTA—The Maine Senate unanimously approved legislation from Senate President Troy Jackson, D-Allagash, that would provide property tax relief to Maine veterans, in an initial vote on Thursday. LD 1194, “An Act To Increase Property Tax Relief for Veterans” would expand the veteran’s property tax exemption program to increase the exemption amount and cover more veterans.

“Maine veterans deserve more than our utmost respect and gratitude. They deserve support as they transition back into civilian life here in Maine,” said President Jackson. “By expanding property tax relief for Maine veterans, lawmakers can alleviate the financial stress on our vets and help them afford to remain active members of our community.”

The bill would increase the veteran’s property tax exemption program to $10,000. Current law allows for a $6,000 property tax exemption for those who served in federally recognized war periods. This bill extends the exemption and covers more veterans.

The bill was amended to extend this exemption to World War I widows, D-1 paraplegic veterans and veterans who served during the Korean War. The bill would also reimburse municipalities at 100 percent.

Maine has a high number of veterans per capita compared to the rest of the country. According to a recent report by the National Conference of State Legislatures, Maine is one of six states where veterans account for ten percent of our population.

LD 1194 received unanimous support in the Legislature’s Taxation Committee. The bill will now go to the House for additional votes before returning to the Senate, where it will likely be placed on the special appropriations table to await funding.

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